dyscalculia | Special Needs Resource and Training Blog

Studies suggests that between 4-7% of students have experience difficulty in math compared to 26% of children with ADHD.

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This may be the result of the working memory, problem solving skills and inattentive skills all characteristics of a student with ADHD

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is defined as a learning disability specifically in math and numbers including the inability to understand the concept of numbers and applying math principles to solve problems. The following are signs and symptoms of dyscalculia:

Difficulty in counting backwards
Difficulty in recalling facts
Slow in performing calculations
Difficulty with subtractions
Difficulty using finger counting
Difficulty with the multiplication table
Poor mental math skills
Difficulty with understanding the concept of time
May show signs of anxiety when conducting math activities
May have a poor sense of direction (i.e. north, south, east, west)

Early signs of dyscalculia include:

Delays in learning how to count
Delays in recalling facts
Difficulty with time
Displays a poor memory
May lose track when counting
Difficulty sorting items by groups include color, shape, texture and size.

Accommodations

Students with diagnosed with ADHD qualify for accommodations in the classroom. Here are a few suggestions:

The ADHD magazine, ADDitude suggests the following accommodations to help students with ADHD and Dyscalculia:

Allow extra time on test
Provide frequent checks for accuracy during classroom activities
List clearly numbered steps/procedures for multi-step problems
Use individual dry-erase boards
Reduce the number of problems you assign

VeryWell suggests the following accommodations for students expressing difficulties in math:

Allow the student to use desk copies of math facts such as multiplication table factsheet
Allow the use of calculations in the classroom
Provide models of sample problems and allow the students to use these models as a reference
Decrease the number of math problems
Allow the students to use graph paper rather than notebook paper
Provide the student with review summaries to help prepare for tests